System and method for automatically monitoring physiological parameters of a subject

ABSTRACT

A method and assembly for monitoring physiological parameters of a subject is provided. The method includes measuring, with a physiological sensor, data that indicates a change in a value of a physiological parameter of a subject over a time period. The method further includes measuring, with a motion sensor, data that indicates a value of a motion of the subject over the time period. The method further includes determining, with a processor, whether the value of the motion of the subject over the time period is less than a motion threshold. The method includes determining, with the processor, whether the change in the value of the physiological parameter over the time period exceeds a change threshold. The method also includes performing an action based on the determination that the change in the value of the physiological parameter exceeds the change threshold.

BACKGROUND

Physiological sensors such as heart rate sensors and temperature sensorshave been used in conventional systems to measure a value ofphysiological parameters of a subject, such as heart rate and bodytemperature. In these conventional systems, the measured values of theheart rate and body temperature are monitored to predict a healthcondition of the subject.

SUMMARY

Techniques are provided for automatically monitoring physiologicalparameters of a subject. The current inventor recognized thatconventional systems that are used for monitoring physiologicalparameters of a subject have notable drawbacks. In one example,conventional systems monitor the physiological parameter values (e.g.heart rate, temperature) of the subject and predict a health conditionbased on whether the physiological parameter values exceed a thresholdvalue. However, the current inventor recognized that conventionalsystems are not capable of ruling out alternative reasons other than anadverse health condition (e.g. subject is exercising) for elevatedphysiological parameter values. Thus, these conventional systems areprone to generate false positive alerts that the subject is experiencingan adverse health condition (e.g. heart attack, panic attack). A systemand method is provided that addresses this drawback of conventionalsystems for monitoring physiological parameters of a subject.

Techniques are also provided for treating one or more adverse healthconditions (e.g. heart attack, panic attack, etc) that is determined bya method for monitoring physiological parameters of the subject.Additionally, methods for assessing the effectiveness of such techniquesof treating these adverse health conditions are also provided.

In a first set of embodiments, an assembly is provided for monitoringphysiological parameters based on motion of a subject. The assemblyincludes a physiological sensor to measure data that indicates a changein a value of a physiological parameter of the subject over a timeperiod. The assembly also includes a motion sensor to measure data thatindicates a value of a motion of the subject over the time period. Theassembly also includes a processor and a memory including one or moresequences of instructions. The memory and sequences of instructionscause the assembly to receive data from the motion sensor and determinewhether the value of the motion of the subject over the time period isless than a motion threshold. The memory and sequences of instructionsfurther cause the assembly to receive data from the physiological sensorover the time period if the value of the motion of the subject is lessthan the motion threshold. The memory and sequences of instructionsfurther cause the assembly to determine whether the change in the valueof the physiological parameter over the time period exceeds a changethreshold. The memory and sequences of instructions further cause theassembly to perform an action based on the determination that the changein the value of the physiological parameter exceeds the changethreshold.

In a second set of embodiments, an assembly is provided for monitoringphysiological parameters of a subject. The assembly includes a firstphysiological sensor to measure data that indicates a change in a valueof a first physiological parameter of the subject over a time period.The assembly also includes a second physiological sensor to measure datathat indicates a change in a value of a second physiological parameterof the subject over the time period. The assembly also includes aprocessor and a memory including one or more sequences of instructions.The memory and sequences of instructions cause the assembly to receivedata from the first physiological sensor over the time period anddetermine whether the change in the value of the first physiologicalparameter exceeds a first change threshold. The memory and sequences ofinstructions further cause the assembly to receive data from the secondphysiological sensor over the time period if the change in the value ofthe first physiological parameter exceeds the first change threshold.The memory and sequences of instructions further cause the assembly todetermine whether the change in the value of the second physiologicalparameter exceeds a second change threshold. The memory and sequences ofinstructions further cause the assembly to perform an action based onthe determination that the change in the value of the secondphysiological parameter exceeds the second change threshold.

In a third set of embodiments, a method is provided for monitoringphysiological parameters based on movement of a subject. The methodincludes measuring, with a physiological sensor, data that indicates achange in a value of a physiological parameter of the subject over atime period. The method also includes measuring, with a motion sensor,data that indicates a value of a motion of the subject over the timeperiod. The method also includes receiving, with a processor, data fromthe motion sensor and determining whether the value of the motion of thesubject over the time period is less than a motion threshold. The methodalso includes receiving, with the processor, data from the physiologicalsensor if the value of the motion of the subject is less than the motionthreshold. The method also includes determining, with the processor,whether the change in the value of the physiological parameter over thetime period exceeds a change threshold. The method also includesperforming an action based on the determination that the change in thevalue of the physiological parameter exceeds the change threshold.

In a fourth set of embodiments, a method is provided for monitoringphysiological parameters of a subject. The method includes measuring,with a first physiological sensor, data that indicates a change in avalue of a first physiological parameter of the subject over a timeperiod. The method also includes measuring, with a second physiologicalsensor, data that indicates a change in a value of a secondphysiological parameter of the subject over the time period. The methodalso includes receiving, with a processor, data from the firstphysiological sensor over the time period and determining whether thechange in the value of the first physiological parameter exceeds a firstchange threshold. The method also includes receiving, with theprocessor, data from the second physiological sensor over the timeperiod if the change in the value of the first physiological parameterexceeds the first change threshold. The method also includesdetermining, with the processor, whether the change in the value of thesecond physiological parameter exceeds a second change threshold. Themethod also includes performing an action based on the determinationthat the change in the value of the second physiological parameterexceeds the second change threshold.

Still other aspects, features, and advantages are readily apparent fromthe following detailed description, simply by illustrating a number ofparticular embodiments and implementations, including the best modecontemplated for carrying out the invention. Other embodiments are alsocapable of other and different features and advantages, and its severaldetails can be modified in various obvious respects, all withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, thedrawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature,and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way oflimitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which likereference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram that illustrates example components of anassembly for automatically monitoring a physiological parameter of asubject, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram that illustrates example components of asystem for automatically monitoring a physiological parameter of asubject, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a flow chart that illustrates an example method forautomatically monitoring a physiological parameter based on motion of asubject, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a flow chart that illustrates an example method forautomatically monitoring a physiological parameter of a subject,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram that illustrates a computer system upon whichan embodiment of the invention may be implemented;

FIG. 5 illustrates a chip set upon which an embodiment of the inventionmay be implemented;

FIG. 6 illustrates a mobile terminal upon which an embodiment of theinvention may be implemented;

FIG. 7 is an image that illustrates example components of a device ofthe assembly of FIG. 1 used to measure parameter values of the sample,according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 8 is a table that illustrates example parameter data of subjectstaken before and after the treatment of the method, according to anembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A method and assembly are described for automatically monitoringphysiological parameters of a subject. In the following description, forthe purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Itwill be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the presentinvention may be practiced without these specific details. In otherinstances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagramform in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forththe broad scope are approximations, the numerical values set forth inspecific non-limiting examples are reported as precisely as possible.Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errorsnecessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements at the time of this writing.Furthermore, unless otherwise clear from the context, a numerical valuepresented herein has an implied precision given by the least significantdigit. Thus a value 1.1 implies a value from 1.05 to 1.15. The term“about” is used to indicate a broader range centered on the given value,and unless otherwise clear from the context implies a broader rangearound the least significant digit, such as “about 1.1” implies a rangefrom 1.0 to 1.2. If the least significant digit is unclear, then theterm “about” implies a factor of two, e.g., “about X” implies a value inthe range from 0.5X to 2X, for example, about 100 implies a value in arange from 50 to 200. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to beunderstood to encompass any and all sub-ranges subsumed therein. Forexample, a range of “less than 10” can include any and all sub-rangesbetween (and including) the minimum value of zero and the maximum valueof 10, that is, any and all sub-ranges having a minimum value of equalto or greater than zero and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10,e.g., 1 to 4.

Some embodiments of the invention are described below in the context ofmonitoring a physiological parameter of a subject. In one exampleembodiment, the invention is described in the context of monitoring aphysiological parameter of a subject based on a level of physicalactivity of the subject. In another example embodiment, the invention isdescribed in the context of monitoring a change in a value of a firstphysiological parameter of a subject based on a change in a value of asecond physiological parameter of the subject. In one exampleembodiment, the invention is described in the context of predicting anonset of an adverse health condition of the subject. In another exampleembodiment, the invention is described in the context of predicting anonset of a panic attack of the subject. However, the invention is notlimited to this context. In other embodiments, the invention isdescribed in the context of predicting an onset of health conditionsincluding one or more of a heart attack, an anxiety episode orPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) flashbacks. In still otherembodiments, the invention is described in the context of treatmentsthat are provided based on determination of an onset of a healthcondition. In still other embodiments, the invention is described in thecontext of a method for assessing the effectiveness of treatments thatare provided after determining the onset of the health conditions.

1. OVERVIEW

FIG. 1 is a block diagram that illustrates example components of anassembly 100 for automatically monitoring a physiological parameter of asubject, according to an embodiment. The assembly 100 includes one ormore physiological sensors to measure data that indicates a change in avalue of a physiological parameter of a subject over a time period.

In one embodiment, the physiological sensor is a heart rate sensor 102to measure data that indicates a change in a heart rate of the subjectover the time period. In one embodiment, the heart rate sensor 102 is anoptical heart-rate monitor that measures the data throughphotoplethysmography (PPG), or a process of using light to measure bloodflow. In an example embodiment, a wrist band incorporates the heart ratesensor 102 and includes small light emitting diodes (LEDs) on anunderside of the sensor 102 that shines green light onto the skin of thewrist of the subject. The different wavelengths of light from theseoptical emitters interact differently with the blood flowing through thewrist of the subject. When that light refracts (or reflects) off theflowing blood of the subject, the heart rate sensor 102 captures thatinformation. This data is processed to generate the data that indicatesthe heart rate of the subject and the change in the heart rate of thesubject over the time period. In another embodiment, the heart ratesensor 102 includes a transmitter that is strapped to a body of thesubject (e.g. chest) and a receiver (e.g. in a wrist band or smartphone). The transmitter includes electrodes placed against the skin thatuse electrocardiography to record electrical activity of the heart (e.g.EKG signal) of the subject. A processor analyzes the EKG signal todetermine the heart rate of the subject and/or the change in the heartrate over the time period.

In another embodiment, the physiological sensor is a temperature sensor104 to measure a change in a body temperature of the subject over thetime period. In one example embodiment, the temperature sensor 104 is aninfrared thermopile sensor.

In some embodiments, the assembly 100 includes the heart rate sensor 102and the temperature sensor 104. In other embodiments, the assembly 100includes the heart rate sensor 102 and excludes the temperature sensor104. In still other embodiments, the assembly 100 includes thetemperature sensor 104 and excludes the heart rate sensor 102. AlthoughFIG. 1 depicts the heart rate sensor 102 and temperature sensor 104, thephysiological sensor of the assembly 100 is not limited to these sensors102, 104 and includes any physiological sensor to measure anyphysiological parameter of the subject, such as breathing rate, sense oforientation and perspiration. In one embodiment, the physiologicalsensor is a CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) sensor 105 that detects a level of CO2in the breath of the subject. In yet another embodiment, thephysiological sensor is a pulse oximeter and the measured physiologicalparameter is oxygen saturation (SO2). In this embodiment, the CO2 sensor105 measures data that indicates a level of CO2 in the breath of thesubject. In an example embodiment, the assembly 100 includes the CO2sensor 105 and the heart rate sensor 102 and/or the temperature sensor104.

In some embodiments, the assembly 100 includes a motion sensor 106 tomeasure data that indicates a value of a motion of the subject over thetime period. In one embodiment, the motion sensor 106 is excluded andthe heart rate sensor 102 and temperature sensor 104 are included. Inanother embodiment, the temperature sensor 104 is excluded and themotion sensor 106 and heart rate sensor 102 are included.

In one embodiment, the motion sensor 106 is an accelerometer thatmeasures data that indicates a value of an acceleration of the subjectover the time period (e.g. linear and/or rotational acceleration). In anexample embodiment, the accelerometer is a three-axis accelerometer. Inanother embodiment, the motion sensor 106 is a position sensor thatmeasures data that indicates a value of a position of the subject overthe time period. In an example embodiment, the position sensor is aGlobal Positioning System (GPS) sensor.

The assembly 100 includes a processor 108 that receives data from one ormore of the heart rate sensor 102, temperature sensor 104 and motionsensor 106 over the time period. In an example embodiment, the processor108 receives data from the CO2 sensor 105 over the time period. Theprocessor 108 includes a module 109 for assessing change inphysiological parameters that performs one or more steps of a methoddescribed below with reference to FIG. 3A or one or more steps of amethod described below with reference to FIG. 3B. In an exampleembodiment, where the physiological sensor is the CO2 sensor 105, themodule 109 assesses change in the level of CO2 based on one or moresteps of the method with reference to FIG. 3A or one or more steps withreference to FIG. 3B. In various embodiments, the processor 108comprises one or more general computer systems, as depicted in FIG. 4 orone or more chip sets as depicted in FIG. 5 or one or more mobileterminals as depicted in FIG. 6, and instructions to cause the computeror chip set or mobile terminal to perform one or more steps of a methoddescribed below with reference to FIG. 3A or a method described belowwith reference to FIG. 3B.

In some embodiments, the assembly 100 includes a haptic feedback device110 that generates mechanical stimulation (e.g. force, vibration,motion, etc.) that is detected by the subject. In an example embodiment,the haptic feedback device is a vibration transducer. In someembodiments, the haptic feedback device 110 is worn on a body of thesubject (e.g. wrist band). In other embodiments, the haptic feedbackdevice 110 is integral with one or more of the heart rate sensor 102,temperature sensor 104, CO2 sensor 105, motion sensor 106 and processor108 and worn on the body of the subject (e.g. wrist band). In oneembodiment, the processor 108 activates the haptic feedback device 110to generate mechanical stimulation detected by the subject, based on theassessment of the data from one or more of the heart rate sensor 102,temperature sensor 104, CO2 sensor 105 and motion sensor 106. In anotherembodiment, the device 110 is an audible device that outputs an auditoryalert that is detected by the subject and is activated by the processor108 based on the assessment of the data from one or more of the heartrate sensor 102, temperature sensor 104, CO2 sensor 105 and motionsensor 106.

In some embodiments, the assembly 100 includes a display device 111. Insome embodiments, the display device 111 is on an article worn on thesubject (e.g. wrist band). In other embodiments, the display device 111is integrated with one or more of the heart rate sensor 102, temperaturesensor 104, CO2 sensor 105, motion sensor 106 and processor 108 in thearticle worn on the body of the subject (e.g. wrist band). In someembodiments, the display device 111 is integrated in one of a cheststrap, a ring, and a device that clips onto a finger or an ear of thesubject. In one embodiment, the processor 108 causes one or morecharacters to be output on the display device 111, based on theassessment of the data from one or more of the heart rate sensor 102,temperature sensor 104, CO2 sensor 105 and motion sensor 106.

In some embodiments, the assembly 100 includes a rechargeable battery112 that is used to power one or more of the processor 108, the heartrate sensor 102, the temperature sensor 104, the CO2 sensor 105 and themotion sensor 106. In one embodiment, the assembly 100 includes a plug(e.g. Micro B USB connector plug) to connect an external power sourcewith the rechargeable battery 112 in order to recharge the battery 112.In other embodiments, an external power source (e.g. power outlet) isused to power the processor 108, heart rate sensor 102, the temperaturesensor 104, the CO2 sensor 105 and the motion sensor 106 and thus neednot include a battery.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram that illustrates example components of asystem 200 for automatically monitoring a physiological parameter of asubject, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the system 200includes an article worn on the body of the subject, such as a wriststrap 202. The wrist strap 202 incorporates the assembly 100. In oneembodiment, the assembly 100 includes the display device 111. In someembodiments, the system 200 includes a mobile phone 601 that is furtherdepicted in FIG. 6 and includes a display device 607. In one embodiment,the system 200 excludes the display device 111 and the processor 108causes one or more characters to be output on the display device 607 onthe mobile phone 601 based on the assessment of data from one or more ofthe heart rate sensor 102, temperature sensor 104, CO2 sensor 105, andmotion sensor 106. In an embodiment, the assembly 100 and the mobilephone 601 are in wireless communication (e.g. Bluetooth®). In an exampleembodiment, updates to the module 109 are communicated from the mobilephone 601 to the processor 108 of the assembly 100 using the wirelesscommunication.

Although steps are depicted in FIG. 3A, and in subsequent flowchart FIG.3B, as integral steps in a particular order for purposes ofillustration, in other embodiments, one or more steps, or portionsthereof, are performed in a different order, or overlapping in time, inseries or in parallel, or are omitted, or one or more additional stepsare added, or the method is changed in some combination of ways.

FIG. 3A is a flow chart that illustrates an example method 300 forautomatically monitoring a physiological parameter based on motion of asubject, according to an embodiment. In step 301, data is measured witha physiological sensor that indicates a change in a value of aphysiological parameter of the subject over a time period. In oneembodiment, the physiological sensor is the heart rate sensor 102 thatmeasures data that indicates a change in a value of the heart rate ofthe subject over the time period. In another embodiment, thephysiological sensor is the temperature sensor 104 that measures datathat indicates a change in a value of the body temperature of thesubject over the time period. In yet another embodiment, thephysiological sensor is the CO2 sensor 105 that measures data thatindicates a level of CO2 in the breath of the subject over the timeperiod.

In step 303, data is measured by the motion sensor 106 that indicates avalue of the motion of the subject over the time period. In one exampleembodiment, where the motion sensor 106 is an accelerometer, the sensor106 measures an acceleration of the subject over the time period. Inanother example embodiment, where the motion sensor 106 is a positionsensor, the sensor 106 measures a position of the subject over the timeperiod.

In step 305, the data measured by the motion sensor 106 in step 303 istransmitted to the processor 108 and received at the processor 108. Inone embodiment, the data transmitted in step 305 is the data thatindicates the motion of the subject over the time period. In an exampleembodiment, where the data measured in step 303 is the acceleration ofthe subject over the time period, in step 305 the processor 108 convertsthe received acceleration data of the subject over the time period intomotion data of the subject over the time period. In another exampleembodiment, where the data measured in step 303 is the position of thesubject over the time period, in step 305 the processor 108 converts thereceived position data of the subject over the time period into motiondata of the subject over the time period. In another example embodiment,the sensor 106 includes a processor that converts the acceleration dataor position data into motion data prior to step 305.

In step 307, the processor 108 determines whether the value of themotion of the subject over the time period is less than a motionthreshold. In one embodiment, the motion threshold is a motion of thesubject indicative of the physiological parameter (e.g. heart rate,temperature, CO2 level) rising above a resting level of thephysiological parameter or a threshold amount (e.g. 10%, 20% or more)above the resting level. In an example embodiment, the method furtherincludes a step to measure the resting level of the physiologicalparameter (e.g. heart rate, temperature) of the subject. In this exampleembodiment, the physiological sensor (e.g. heart rate sensor 102,temperature sensor 104) is used to measure the physiological parameterof the subject over a certain time period (e.g. 30 seconds, 60 seconds)while the subject is at rest. In one embodiment, the resting level ofthe physiological parameter measured by the physiological sensor isstored in a memory of the processor 108. In another example embodiment,the method further includes a step to measure the motion threshold ofthe subject. In this example embodiment, the subject is positioned on anexercise machine (e.g. treadmill) and the physiological sensor (e.g.heart rate sensor 102, temperature sensor 104) measures thephysiological parameter of the subject as the speed of the exercisemachine is gradually increased from zero. When the value of thephysiological parameter rises above the resting level previouslymeasured and stored in the processor 108 memory or the threshold amount(e.g. 10%, 20% or more) above the resting level, the speed of theexercise machine (e.g. speed of the treadmill) is recorded as the motionthreshold and stored in the memory of the processor 108. In anotherexample embodiment, the motion sensor 106 is used to measure the valueof the motion of the subject as the subject gradually increases a levelof motion (e.g. from zero) and the motion threshold is determined as themeasured value of the motion when the measured physiological parameterfrom the physiological sensor rises above the resting level or thethreshold amount above the resting level. In an embodiment, the motionthreshold is stored in a memory of the processor 108. In otherembodiments, the motion threshold is predetermined. In an exampleembodiment, the motion threshold is in a range from 0-4 miles per hour(mph).

In one embodiment, in step 307 the processor 108 computes an averagevalue of the motion of the subject over the time period and determineswhether the average motion value is less than the motion threshold. Inanother embodiment, the data received in step 305 indicates the value ofthe motion of the subject at a plurality of time increments over thetime period and in step 307 the processor determines whether the valueof the motion at each time increment is less than the motion threshold.In an example embodiment, a positive determination in step 307 involvesa position determination that the value of the motion at each timeincrement is less than the motion threshold.

A positive determination in step 307 moves the method to step 309. Anegative determination in step 307 moves the method back to step 301.

In step 309, the data measured in step 301 by the physiological sensorindicating the change in the physiological parameter over the timeperiod is transmitted to the processor 108 and received at the processor108. In some embodiments, a negative determination in step 307 involvesactively suppressing the transmission of the data measured in step 301to the processor 108 so that the data is not received by the processor108.

In step 311, the processor 108 determines whether the value of thechange in the physiological parameter (based on the received data instep 309) is greater than a change threshold. In one embodiment, thechange threshold is a minimum value of the change in the physiologicalparameter over the time period that is indicative of an adverse healthcondition (e.g. panic attack, heart attack, fast breathing, etc) of thesubject. In some embodiments, the change threshold is based on aproportion (e.g. 20%, 50%, 100%) of the resting level of thephysiological parameter for the subject that is measured in oneembodiment of the method and stored in the memory of the processor 108.In one embodiment, where the data received in step 309 indicates achange in a value of a heart rate of the subject, in step 311 theprocessor 108 determines whether the value of the change in the heartrate over the time period exceeds a heart rate change threshold. In anexample embodiment, the heart rate change threshold is a minimum valueof the change in the heart rate over the time period that is indicativeof the adverse health condition (e.g. panic attack, heart attack, fastbreathing, etc) of the subject. In another embodiment, where the datareceived in step 309 indicates a change in a value of the bodytemperature of the subject, in step 311 the processor 308 determineswhether the value of the change of the body temperature exceeds atemperature change threshold. In an example embodiment, the temperaturechange threshold is a minimum value of the change in the bodytemperature over the time period that is indicative of the adversehealth condition (e.g. panic attack, heart attack, fast breathing, etc)of the subject. In yet another embodiment, where the data received instep 309 indicates a change in the value of the heart rate and thechange in the value of the body temperature over the time period, instep 311 the processor 108 determines whether the value of the change inthe heart rate exceeds the heart rate change threshold and whether thevalue of the change in the value of the body temperature exceeds thebody temperature change threshold. In yet another embodiment, where thedata received in step 309 indicates a change in a value of the CO2 levelof the subject, in step 311 the processor 108 determines whether thevalue of the change in the CO2 level over the time period exceeds a CO2change threshold. In an example embodiment, the CO2 change threshold isa minimum value of the change in the CO2 level over the time period thatis indicative of the adverse health condition (e.g. panic attack, heartattack, fast breathing, etc) of the subject. In another exampleembodiment, the CO2 change threshold is based on the proportion (e.g.20%, 50%, 100%) of the resting level of the CO2 level for the subjectthat was measured and stored in the memory of the processor 108.

A positive determination in step 311 moves the method to step 313. Anegative determination in step 311 moves the method back to step 301.

In step 313, an action is performed based on the determination in step311. In one embodiment, the determination in step 311 is used as aprediction of a health condition (e.g. panic attack, heart attack, fastbreathing, etc) of the subject. In an embodiment, in step 313 one ormore of steps 313 a, 313 b, 313 c are performed. In some embodiments,all of the steps 313 a, 313 b, 313 c are performed. In otherembodiments, only one of the steps 313 a, 313 b, 313 c is performed. Inan embodiment, in steps 313 a, 313 b, the action is performed to alertthe subject (or others) of the determination in step 311. In anembodiment, in step 313 c, the action is performed to provide treatment(e.g. therapy, visual symbol) to the subject in response to thedetermination in step 311. In another embodiment, in step 313 the actionperformed is the processor 108 automatically calls or texts a designatedphone number of a designated individual (e.g. family member, spouse,etc.) previously provided by the subject, to alert the designatedindividual of the prediction that the subject may develop the healthcondition. In yet another embodiment, in step 313 the action performedis the processor 108 automatically places a phone call to the mobilephone 601 of the subject, so that in the event that the subject is in ameeting, the subject can use the incoming phone call as a reason to exitthe meeting and receive treatment for the possible health condition.

In step 313 a, the processor 108 activates the haptic feedback device110 worn by the subject (e.g. on the wrist strap 202) to alert thesubject of the determination in step 311. In an example embodiment, instep 313 a the haptic feedback device 110 generates mechanicalstimulation (e.g. force, vibration, motion, etc.) that is detected bythe subject. In another example embodiment, where the device 110 is anaudible device that outputs an auditory alert, in step 313 a theprocessor 108 activates the device 110 so that the auditory alert isdetected by the subject. In one example embodiment, the haptic feedbackdevice 110 is provided in the mobile phone 601 (e.g. activation ofvibration mode in the mobile phone 601) and is activated to alert thesubject of the determination in step 311. In another example embodiment,in step 313 a the processor 108 activates the device 110 so that anaudio output includes an audible reminder to the subject to recite theirmission statement. In an example embodiment, in step 313 a the audiooutput includes an audible output of the subject mission statement thatis pre-selected, pre-recorded and stored in a memory of the processor108. In yet another example embodiment, in step 313 a the audio outputincludes an audible reminder to the subject to activate a kinesthetictouch or kinesthetic movement (e.g. placing two fingers together, awrist movement, touching above the eyebrow, etc.) that the subjectpreviously chose to make the subject feel more calm and centered. In anexample embodiment, in step 313 a the audio output includes an audibleoutput of the subject's specific kinesthetic touch or movement (e.g.“activate your anchor”, where “anchor” refers to the subject's specifickinesthetic movement) to further remind the subject. In another exampleembodiment, in step 313 a the processor 108 activates the device 110 sothat an audio output includes an audible reminder to the subject tovisualize their symbol that they associate with being centered and calm.In an example embodiment, in step 313 a the audio output includes anaudible output of the subject's visual symbol that is pre-selected andstored in a memory of the processor 108.

In step 313 b the processor 108 outputs one or more characters on adisplay device based on the determination in step 311 or to communicatethe determination in step 311 or to communicate a prediction based onthe determination in step 311. In one embodiment, the characters areoutput on the display device 111 of the assembly 100. In anotherembodiment, the characters are output on the display device 607 of themobile phone 601. In an embodiment, the characters indicate an alert tothe subject of a health condition (e.g. panic attack) based on thedetermination in step 311. In an example embodiment, the charactersindicate the alert to the subject of a current health condition thesubject is experiencing or a future health condition (e.g. panic attack)that the subject is not yet experiencing but that the subject is at riskof experiencing in the near future (e.g. within one hour). In anotherembodiment, the characters indicate the determination in step 311 (e.g.that the change in the heart rate exceeds the change threshold). In yetanother embodiment, the characters indicate a suggested treatment forthe possible adverse health condition (e.g. visualize their symbol,activate their anchor, recite their mission statement, takingmedication, psychological stress therapy, contact emergency medicalservices, etc.). In some embodiments, in step 313 b the processor 108transmits a signal to a display device at a remote facility (e.g. adisplay device at an emergency medical facility) indicating thedetermination in step 311 to alert medical professionals at the remotefacility of a possible adverse health condition based on thedetermination in step 311. In still other embodiments, in step 313 b theprocessor 108 transmits a signal to the display device 111 or displaydevice 607 to output a visual symbol that calms the subject when theyobserve the visual symbol. In some embodiments, the visual symbol iscustomized and chosen by the subject before the method 300 begins andstored in a memory of the processor 108. In an embodiment, the subjectchooses the visual symbol based on a visual symbol which makes them feelcentered and peaceful and into an alpha state that calms them down. Inone example embodiment, the visual symbol is an animal or a nature scene(e.g. ocean). In one example embodiment, the method 300 includes a stepbefore step 301 where the display device 111 or display device 607outputs a plurality of symbols and the subject chooses one of thesymbols which is stored in the memory of the processor 108 and output instep 313 b as the visual symbol of the subject.

In step 313 c, treatment is provided to the subject based on thedetermination in step 311. In one embodiment, the treatment is medicaltreatment designed to treat a health condition indicated by thedetermination in step 311. In an example embodiment, the treatment ispsychological stress therapy designed to treat an adverse healthcondition (e.g. panic attack) indicated by the determination in step311. In step 313 c, the processor 108 automatically transmits a signalto a remote facility (e.g. medical facility) upon the determination instep 311, where the remote facility includes professionals that providetreatment. The signal includes location information of the subject andthe determination in step 311. Upon receiving the signal at the remotefacility, the professionals are either transported to the location ofthe subject and provide the treatment or arrange for transport of thesubject to the remote facility where the subject is provided thetreatment. In other embodiments, in step 313 c the treatment involvesthe subject taking medication. In an example embodiment, in step 313 cthe processor 108 outputs a suggested medication and dosage to be takenby the subject in order to alleviate symptoms associated with thedetermination in step 311. In an example embodiment, the treatmentinvolves the subject accessing treatment material, either with an appinstalled on the mobile phone 601 or through a website, where thetreatment material includes audio tracks or videos (e.g. short tracksthat are 5-10 minutes or longer tracks that are longer than 10 minutes)or live one on one interaction with a therapist or their visual symbolor their mission statement. In another example embodiment, the treatmentinvolves the subject receiving a phone call on their mobile phone 601from a therapist for one on one therapy.

In an embodiment, the method 300 includes steps to determine aneffectiveness of a treatment or action in step 313 (e.g. in one or moreof steps 313 a, 313 b, 313 c). In some embodiments, the method 300excludes steps 301-311 and the effectiveness of the action step 313 isassessed without steps 301-311. As depicted in FIG. 1, in one embodimenta sample 117 (e.g. body fluid such as blood, saliva, etc) is taken fromthe subject and measured by a device 114 to determine a value of one ormore parameters of the sample 117 that indicate one or more levels of abiological parameter (e.g. hormones, cholesterol, proteins, biomarkers,comprehensive metabolic panel, etc) and/or a biological organ functionof the subject. In an embodiment, the device 114 is any deviceappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that is used to measurethe value of the one or more parameters from the biological sample 117(e.g. body fluid, such as saliva or blood). In an example embodiment,the sample 117 is the subject that is scanned and the device 114 is anon-contact scanning device (e.g. AO Digital Body Analyzer® discussed inExample Embodiment section below). In an embodiment, the value of theparameters measured by the device 114 prior to the treatment step 313are transmitted to the processor 108 and stored in the memory of theprocessor 108.

After the treatment step 313, a second sample 117 is obtained from thesubject and measured by the device 114 to obtain a second value of theone or more parameters that indicate one or more levels of thebiological parameters and/or biological organ function, after thetreatment step 313. The value of the parameters measured by the device114 after the treatment 313 is also transmitted to the processor 108 andstored in the memory of the processor 108. In some embodiments, thesample 117 is taken from the subject prior to and after the treatmentstep 313 and the two samples 117 are sent to a location remote from theassembly 100 (e.g. testing laboratory) where the device 114 is located,so the values of the parameters in the before and after samples 117 canbe measured. In this example embodiment, the measured values of theparameters are subsequently communicated (e.g. using the network link478 or input device 412 such as a flash drive) to the processor 108.

In an embodiment, to assess the effectiveness of the treatment step 313,the processor 108 compares the initial values of the one or moreparameters from the sample 117 measured prior to the treatment step 313with the second values of the one or more parameters from the secondsample 117 measured after the treatment step 313. Additionally, thememory of the processor 108 has a normal value of the parameter storedin the memory. In an example embodiment, the processor 108 determineswhether the treatment step 313 was effective, based on a change betweenthe initial values of the parameters and the second values of theparameters and a normal value of the parameter. In an exampleembodiment, the processor 108 determines that the treatment step 313 iseffective, based on the change in the value of the parameter (e.g. from8 to 5) relative to a normal value (e.g. 4) of the parameter. In oneembodiment, if the change in the value of the parameter is towards thenormal value of the parameter (e.g. from 8 to 5, towards a normal valueof 4), the processor 108 determines that treatment step 313 waseffective. In an embodiment, the processor 108 is configured to outputthe determination of the effectiveness of the treatment step 313 on thedisplay device 111. In an example embodiment, the processor 108 isconfigured to output a degree of effectiveness of the treatment step 313on the display device 111 based on the magnitude of the change of theparameter relative to the normal value of the parameter. In an exampleembodiment, the processor 108 determines that a first change in thevalue of the parameter (e.g. from 8 to 5) from a first treatment step313 is more effective than a second change in the value (e.g. from 8 to6) from a second treatment step 313 that is less than the first changeand/or where the first change results in a closer proximate value (e.g.5) to the normal value (e.g. 4) than the second change (e.g. 6).

In an embodiment, the method 300 further includes performing furtheraction (e.g. further treatment or action steps 313 or 363) based on theeffectiveness of the first treatment or action steps 313 or 363. In anexample embodiment, if the change in the value of the parameter (e.g.cortisol) from the first treatment step 313 resulted in a change from ahigh level (e.g. 8) to a level (e.g. 5) that is still above a normallevel (e.g. 4), the processor 108 can determine that further action suchas further treatment steps 313 or 363 should be performed. In an exampleembodiment, the processor 108 outputs the recommended subsequenttreatment step 313 or 363 and/or the effectiveness of the initialtreatment step 313 or 363 that formed the basis of the suggestion forthe subsequent treatment 313 or 363.

FIG. 3B is a flow chart that illustrates an example method 350 forautomatically monitoring a physiological parameter of a subject,according to an embodiment. In step 351, data is measured with a firstphysiological sensor that indicates a change in a value of a firstphysiological parameter of the subject over a time period. In oneembodiment, the first physiological sensor is the heart rate sensor 102that measures data that indicates a change in a value of the heart rateof the subject over the time period. In another embodiment, the firstphysiological sensor is the temperature sensor 104 that measures datathat indicates a change in a value of the body temperature of thesubject over the time period. In yet another embodiment, the firstphysiological sensor is the CO2 sensor 105 that measures data thatindicates a change in the level of CO2 in the breath of the subject overthe time period.

In step 353, data is measured with a second physiological sensor thatindicates a change in a value of a second physiological parameter of thesubject over a time period. In one embodiment, the second physiologicalsensor is the temperature sensor 104 that measures data that indicates achange in a value of the body temperature of the subject over the timeperiod. In another embodiment, the second physiological sensor is theheart rate sensor 102 that measures data that indicates a change in avalue of the heart rate of the subject over the time period. In yetanother embodiment, the second physiological sensor is the CO2 sensor105 that measures data that indicates a change in the level of CO2 inthe breath of the subject over the time period.

In step 355, the data measured by the first physiological sensor (e.g.heart rate sensor 102) in step 351 is transmitted to the processor 108and received at the processor 108.

In step 357, the processor 108 determines whether the value of thechange of the first physiological parameter (e.g. value of the change ofthe heart rate) over the time period is greater than a first changethreshold. In one embodiment, the first change threshold of the firstphysiological parameter is determined in a similar manner as the changethreshold in step 311 is determined.

A positive determination in step 357 moves the method to step 359. Anegative determination in step 357 moves the method back to step 351.

In step 359, the data measured in step 353 by the second physiologicalsensor indicating the change in the second physiological parameter overthe time period is transmitted to the processor 108 and received at theprocessor 108. In some embodiments, a negative determination in step 357involves actively suppressing the transmission of the data measured instep 353 to the processor 108 so that the data is not received by theprocessor 108.

In step 361, the processor 108 determines whether the value of thechange in the second physiological parameter (based on the received datain step 359) is greater than a second change threshold. In oneembodiment, the second change threshold of the second physiologicalparameter is determined in a similar manner as the change threshold instep 311 is determined. In one embodiment, where the data received instep 359 indicates a change in a value of the body temperature of thesubject, in step 361 the processor 108 determines whether the value ofthe change in the body temperature over the time period exceeds atemperature change threshold.

A positive determination in step 361 moves the method to step 363. Anegative determination in step 361 moves the method back to step 351. Inan embodiment, step 363 involves an action performed based on thedetermination in step 361 in a similar manner as the action performed instep 313 based on the determination in step 311. In one embodiment,steps 363 a, 363 b, 363 c are similar to steps 313 a, 313 b, 313 cpreviously discussed.

In another embodiment, the action performed in step 363 involvesmeasuring a level of physical activity of the subject using the motionsensor 102. In an example embodiment, the level of physical activity ofthe subject is measured over the time period. In another exampleembodiment, the level of physical activity of the subject is measuredover a subsequent time period following the time period during which thedata is measured in steps 351 and 353. In an example embodiment, themeasurement of the level of physical activity in step 363 is similar tostep 307 (e.g. determining whether the motion of the subject is lessthan a motion threshold). In an example embodiment, a determination of alack of physical activity of the subject (e.g. determining that themotion of the subject is less than the motion threshold) causesadditional action to be performed, such as one or more of steps 363 a,363 b, 363 c.

In an embodiment, the method 350 includes steps to determine aneffectiveness of a treatment or action in step 363 (e.g. in one or moreof steps 363 a, 363 b, 363 c) that is similar to the above steps todetermine the effectiveness of the treatment or action in step 313.

2. EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

According to an example embodiment, the assembly 100 is used to predictthe onset of an adverse health condition in the subject, such as a panicattack. In one embodiment, a panic attack is a sudden period of intensefear that may include palpitations, sweating, shaking, shortness ofbreath, numbness, or a feeling that something bad is going to happen.

Subjects with panic attacks often report a fear of dying or heartattack, flashing vision, faintness or nausea, numbness throughout thebody, heavy breathing and hyperventilation, or loss of body control.Some people also suffer from tunnel vision, mostly due to blood flowleaving the head to more critical parts of the body in defense. Thesefeelings may provoke a strong urge to escape or flee the place where theattack began (a consequence of the “fight-or-flight response”, in whichthe hormone causing this response is released in significant amounts).This response floods the body with hormones, particularly epinephrine(adrenaline), which aid it in defending against harm. A panic attack isa response of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The most commonsymptoms of panic attacks include trembling, dyspnea (shortness ofbreath), heart palpitations, chest pain (or chest tightness), hotflashes, cold flashes, burning sensations (particularly in the facial orneck area), sweating, nausea, dizziness (or slight vertigo),light-headedness, hyperventilation, paresthesias (tingling sensations),sensations of choking or smothering, difficulty moving, andderealization. In an example embodiment, any physiological sensorcapable of measuring a physiological parameter associated with any ofthese symptoms can be used for the sensors 102, 104, 105 in the assembly100.

In an example embodiment, the treatment provided in step 313 c or 363 ccan include one or more of the treatments discussed herein. In someembodiments, panic attacks can be effectively treated with a variety ofinterventions, including psychological therapies and medication. In anexample embodiment, the psychological therapy is cognitive behavioraltherapy followed by specific selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Inanother example embodiment, the psychological therapy is psychoanalyticpsychotherapy for relieving panic attacks. In some embodiments, thetreatment involves providing anxiolytic medication, such asbenzodiazepines. In other embodiments, the treatment involves breathingexercises. In an example embodiment, in cases where hyperventilation isinvolved, deliberate deep breathing exercises help to rebalance theoxygen and CO2 levels in the blood. In an example embodiment, thetreatment involves recommendation of breathing exercises such as a 5-2-5count. Using the stomach (or diaphragm)—and not the chest—inhale (feelthe stomach come out, as opposed to the chest expanding) for 5 seconds.As the maximal point at inhalation is reached, hold the breath for 2seconds. Then slowly exhale, over 5 seconds. Repeat this cycle twice andthen breathe ‘normally’ for 5 cycles (1 cycle=1 inhale+1 exhale). Thepoint is to focus on the breathing and relax the heart rate. Regulardiaphragmatic breathing may be achieved by extending the outbreath bycounting or humming. In an example embodiment, in step 313 c or 363 c,directions for the breathing exercises may be output on the displaydevice 111 or 607 or breathing exercise instructions may be audiblyoutput using audio speakers on the mobile phone 601.

In some embodiments, the treatment provided in step 313 c or 363 cincludes a combination of cognitive and behavioral therapies. In someembodiments, medication might also be appropriate in the treatmentprovided in step 313 c or 363 c. In an example embodiment, the firstpart of therapy is largely informational; many subjects are greatlyhelped by simply understanding exactly what the panic attack is and howmany others suffer from it. Many subjects who suffer from panic attacksare worried that their panic attacks mean they are “going crazy” or thatthe panic might induce a heart attack. Cognitive restructuring helpssubjects replace those thoughts with more realistic, positive ways ofviewing the panic attacks. In another example embodiment, the treatmentprovided in step 313 c or 363 c may include exposure therapy, whichincludes repeated and prolonged confrontation with feared situations andbody sensations, to help weaken anxiety responses to these external andinternal stimuli and reinforce realistic ways of viewing panic symptoms.In yet another example embodiment, the treatment provided in step 313 cor 363 c may include deeper level psychoanalytic approaches, inparticular object relations theory. Panic attacks are frequentlyassociated with splitting (psychology), paranoid-schizoid and depressivepositions, and paranoid anxiety. They are often found comorbid withborderline personality disorder and child sexual abuse. Paranoid anxietymay reach the level of a persecutory anxiety state.

In yet another example embodiment, the treatment provided in step 313 cor 363 c may include meditation that may also be helpful in thetreatment of panic disorders. The processor 108 may output meditationinstructions on the display device 111 or 607 or may output meditationaudio instruction or music on an audio speaker of the mobile phone 601.

In yet another example embodiment, the treatment provided in step 313 cor 363 c may include dietary changes. In an example embodiment, theprocessor 108 may output dietary suggestions to the display device 111or 607 such as reduction of consumption of one or more substances (e.g.caffeine) that may cause or exacerbate panic anxiety. Anxiety cantemporarily increase during withdrawal from caffeine and various otherdrugs.

In yet another example embodiment, the treatment provided in step 313 cor 363 c may include exercise. In an example embodiment, the processor108 may output a suggested exercise regimen to the display device 111 or607. Increased and regimented aerobic exercise (e.g. running) has beenshown to have a positive effect in combating panic anxiety. There isevidence that suggests that this effect is correlated to the release ofexercise-induced endorphins and the subsequent reduction of the stresshormone cortisol. There remains a chance of increased respiration ratethat occurs during aerobic exercise. However, step 307 of the method 300advantageously suppresses consideration of physiological data valuesduring exercise. Benefits of incorporating an exercise regimen haveshown best results when paced accordingly.

In some embodiments, panic attacks do not strike subjects withoutwarning, as discussed in Subtle Signs Warn of Panic Attacks in Advance,SMU Research News, Jul. 26, 2011 (hereinafter referred to as “Nauert,2011”), which is incorporated by reference herein. The values of one ormore physiological parameters of a subject are elevated for a timeperiod (e.g. up to one hour) prior to subject being aware of the panicattack (Nauert, 2011). In many subjects, they are not aware of theelevation of the physiological parameters during this time period priorto awareness of the panic attack (Nauert, 2011). The assembly 100 andmethods 300, 350 discussed herein advantageously alerts the subjectduring this time period, so that the subject becomes aware of a possibleimpending panic attack, up to one hour prior to actual onset of thepanic attack. Also, the method 300 or 350 advantageously providestreatment in steps 313 c or 363 c during this time period, so to assistin alleviating symptoms of the panic attack (e.g. elevated physiologicalparameters) prior to onset of the panic attack and thus increasing thelikelihood that the panic attack will be thwarted.

In some embodiments, the inventor recognized that it would be effectiveto use a physical parameter that could be used to measure theeffectiveness of one or more treatment or action steps discussed herein.In an embodiment, the physical parameter can be used to measure aneffectiveness of the treatment step 313 (e.g. one or more of steps 313a, 313 b, 313 c) or treatment step 363 (e.g. one or more of steps 363 a,363 b, 363 c). Thus, the inventor developed the concept of performing aninitial measurement (e.g. scan) of a value of a parameter that indicatesone or more biomarkers and/or biological parameters and/or biologicalorgan function prior to and after the treatment step 313. The inventorrecognized that this would advantageously provide physical criteria(e.g. the difference between the measured parameters before and afterthe treatment step) as an indication of the effectiveness of thetreatment.

The inventor recognized that unresolved trauma creates inflammation inthe body and this inflammation manifests in the body as a “pause” orfreeze state that the body enters until the perceived danger passes. Ona cellular level, one indicator of this “pause” state in the body is ahardened cellular membrane which prevents foreign invading substancesfrom entering the cell and consequently also prevents necessary carriersfrom exiting the cell, thereby inhibiting healthy cell maintenance. Thebody stays in this “pause” state since the memory of the subjectcontinues to loop the unresolved trauma and thus the inflammationremains persistent. The inventor recognized that this results inautoimmune problems since it affects the autoimmune system and theneurotransmitters. The inventor recognized that conventional methodsthat address the inflammation and “pause” condition in the body (e.g.medication) do not resolve this issue since they only temporarilyresolve the “pause” state. Hence the inflammation and “pause” stateresume once the medication wears off and thus the medication merelyprovides a temporary solution with addressing the underlying cause (e.g.looping of unresolved trauma) of the inflammation and “pause” state.

In one embodiment, one or more of the treatment steps 313 or 363 (313 a,313 b, 313 c, 363 a, 363 b, 363 c) help to stop the subject memory fromlooping the unresolved trauma, so that the inflammation is reduced andhence the “pause” state ends and the cells open up, permitting healthycellular maintenance to resume. The inventor realized that this could beconfirmed by the measurement of the parameter values with the device 114before and after the treatment step 313 or 363 and then comparing thebefore and after parameter values. In one example embodiment, theparameter is cholesterol and a male subject had a high cholesterol value(e.g. 8 on a scale of 1-9) prior to the treatment step 313 (e.g. 4 hoursession) and a much lower cholesterol value (e.g. 5, where 4 is normal)after the treatment step 313. In an example embodiment, the 1-9 scale isused by the AO Digital Body Analyzer®, discussed below. The inventorsubsequently realized that the reason for the reduction in thecholesterol was the mobilization of cholesterol due to the opening ofthe cellular membrane due to the reduction of inflammation from thememory of the subject no longer looping the unresolved trauma, as aresult of the treatment step 313. After the inflammation in the subjectreduced, cholesterol was released from the cells and was processed bythe liver into biosalts to cleanse the intestines. In another exampleembodiment, the parameter is cortisol and a change in the value of thecortisol is measured prior to and after the treatment step 313. In yetanother example embodiment, parameters including amino acids anddigestive system function are measured by the device 114 before andafter the treatment step 313 to determine the effectiveness of thetreatment step 313. The inventor recognized that subjects with pasttrauma and/or whose memory loops these past trauma events typically havehigh cortisol levels and thus the inventor recognized that measuring thelevel of cortisol before and after the treatment steps 313 or 363 isuseful to measure an effectiveness of the treatment steps 313 or 363. Inyet another embodiment, the parameter is amyloid and a change in thevalue of amyloid is measured prior to and after the treatment step 313or 363. The inventor recognized that amyloid is a byproduct thatthickens the viscosity of blood to try and slow down blood flow and is astress related hormone that is elevated when the memory of the subjectloops unresolved trauma and during the “pause” state. Thus, the inventorrecognized that measuring the level of amyloid before and after thetreatment steps 313 or 363 is useful to measure an effectiveness of thetreatment steps 313 or 363.

In an embodiment, the sample 117 is the subject and the device 114 thatis used to measure the value of the one or more parameters is an AODigital Body Analyzer® 700, that is manufactured by AO Scan of Orem,Utah. FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment of the AO Digital BodyAnalyzer 700. The AO Scan Digital Body Analyzer® 700 is a combination oftechnology from Russia, Germany, Spain, Asia and the USA. Most if notall this technology is based on the works of Nikola Tesla, Dr. RoyalRife, Albert Einstein and others that theorize everything physical atits most fundamental level is actually energy frequency. Biophysicistsin Germany and Russia pioneered the work of identifying specificfrequencies in the human body and compiled a database of more than120,000 different frequencies. These frequencies are the same in mostpeople. Medical researchers in Germany believe that the health of anorgan, tissue, system or cell structure within the body can beidentified by passing micro current frequencies through the body andmeasuring the current's resistance.

In an embodiment, the scan performed by the AO Digital Body Analyzer 700is safe and noninvasive; shows greater detail (unique amongst allnon-invasive scanners); lists the detailed anatomy or components of eachitem that it scans and is a simple method for measuring the health stateof the entire body. The AO Digital Body Analyzer 700 is an electronicdevice that is capable of measuring these oscillations or frequenciesutilizing the AO Scan Bio-Transduring Headset. Additionally, the AODigital Body Analyzer 700 presents detailed visual reports of the healthstatus of the organs, systems, and tissue of the body, working similarlyto other scanners in principles of measuring electromagnetic signals andthe subtle bio-frequencies. Every cell and organ in the body has its owndistinctive vibrational frequency or oscillation. When theseoscillations are disrupted, whether by injury, diet, stress or emotion,it results in a disruption of that biological function. Which when notaddressed, can bring about fatigue, depression, illness, disease andeven death. Over the past 20 years, more than 120,000 of thesevibrational frequencies have been isolated, identified and cataloged.Knowing what the optimum oscillation or frequencies of these cells andorgans are, can assist in determining the root cause of an individual'shealth status when these frequencies are compared to the individualscanned results.

When initiating a scan with the AO Digital Body Analyzer 700, specificfrequencies for the item being scanned are introduced to the brain. Thebrain then responds with what that item is actually resonating at. Theintroduced frequencies are then compared to the actual frequencies. Anumerical value is then determined, where the numerical values rangefrom 1-9, with 5 indicating that the item is in balance. The lowernumbers, 4-1 generally indicate an underactive or lethargic condition.The higher numbers, 6-9 generally indicate an overactive or stressedcondition. These signals are then converted into algorithms within theAO Scan system, compared to an extensive database, and then aregraphically displayed. Once the scan is complete, a 24-page report isproduced. This report divides 650+ areas into 47 categories likeenvironmental and food allergies, bacterial, viral, fungal and parasiticdiseases, heavy metals, genetic problems, hormonal problems, GIproblems, eye health, kidney function, and reproductive function. Thereport also specifically looks into amino acids, vitamins, minerals,parasitic load, and collagen index; this information helps to determinethe correct nutraceuticals that are needed to bring the body back intobalance.

FIG. 8 depicts a Table that includes a sample scan (using the 1-9 numberscale) for a number of biological parameters (e.g. amino acids,hormones, proteins, organ function, etc). In an embodiment, the Table ofFIG. 8 shows a “pre” and “post” scan for a number of patients along thetop row, where “pre” scan is the scan of the subject prior to thetreatment step 313 or 363 and the “post” is the scan of the subjectafter the treatment step 313 or 363. The vertical columns lists thebiological parameters (e.g. amino acids, hormones, proteins, organfunction, etc) whose values were measured by the “pre” and “post” scan.As depicted in the Table of FIG. 8, for many of the subjects, much ofthe values of the biological parameters improved (e.g. moved closer tonormal value of 5) between the “pre” and “post” scans. In an exampleembodiment, particularly for those biological parameters indicative ofstress and trauma (e.g. cortisol), in most subjects the values of thecortisol moved closer to the normal value (e.g. 5) from the pre to thepost scans. Thus, this data provides indication that the treatment step313 or 363 were effectiveness based on physical criteria and/or that thetreatment step 313 or 363 had positive effects on the physical health ofthe patient.

As shown in the Table of FIG. 8, the parameters whose values aremeasured by the AO Digital Body Analyzer include one or more ofemotional stability; mental clarity; vagal tone; HDL-C; LDL-C Direct;Neutral Fat; Non HDL C; Total Cholesterol; Triglycerides; Albumin;Circulating Immune Complex; Ferritin; Rheumatism; Cranial Nerve 10 VagusNerve; Parasympathetic NS Function; Sympathetic NS Function; AdrenalComplex; Thyroid; Gastric Absorption; Cortisol; GABA; Serotonin;Cortisol Dysfunction; Cytokine Activity; Fibriongen; HS-CRP;Homocysteine; Histamine; Lp-PLA2; Myeloperoxidase; nf-Kappa b;Sedimentation Rate; Leptin; Bile Secretion Function. In someembodiments, more parameters other than those listed above are measuredby the AO Digital Body analyzer. In still other embodiments, some of theparameters listed above are measured by a device 114 other than the AODigital Body analyzer, either a scanner (e.g. where the subject is usedfor the sample 117) or a device which measures the parameter values in asample 117 that is collected before and after the treatment step 313 or363.

3. HARDWARE OVERVIEW

FIG. 4 is a block diagram that illustrates a computer system 400 uponwhich an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Computer system400 includes a communication mechanism such as a bus 410 for passinginformation between other internal and external components of thecomputer system 400. Information is represented as physical signals of ameasurable phenomenon, typically electric voltages, but including, inother embodiments, such phenomena as magnetic, electromagnetic,pressure, chemical, molecular atomic and quantum interactions. Forexample, north and south magnetic fields, or a zero and non-zeroelectric voltage, represent two states (0, 1) of a binary digit (bit)).Other phenomena can represent digits of a higher base. A superpositionof multiple simultaneous quantum states before measurement represents aquantum bit (qubit). A sequence of one or more digits constitutesdigital data that is used to represent a number or code for a character.In some embodiments, information called analog data is represented by anear continuum of measurable values within a particular range. Computersystem 400, or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing oneor more steps of one or more methods described herein.

A sequence of binary digits constitutes digital data that is used torepresent a number or code for a character. A bus 410 includes manyparallel conductors of information so that information is transferredquickly among devices coupled to the bus 410. One or more processors 402for processing information are coupled with the bus 410. A processor 402performs a set of operations on information. The set of operationsinclude bringing information in from the bus 410 and placing informationon the bus 410. The set of operations also typically include comparingtwo or more units of information, shifting positions of units ofinformation, and combining two or more units of information, such as byaddition or multiplication. A sequence of operations to be executed bythe processor 402 constitutes computer instructions.

Computer system 400 also includes a memory 404 coupled to bus 410. Thememory 404, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamicstorage device, stores information including computer instructions.Dynamic memory allows information stored therein to be changed by thecomputer system 400. RAM allows a unit of information stored at alocation called a memory address to be stored and retrievedindependently of information at neighboring addresses. The memory 404 isalso used by the processor 402 to store temporary values duringexecution of computer instructions. The computer system 400 alsoincludes a read only memory (ROM) 406 or other static storage devicecoupled to the bus 410 for storing static information, includinginstructions, that is not changed by the computer system 400. Alsocoupled to bus 410 is a non-volatile (persistent) storage device 408,such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, for storing information,including instructions, that persists even when the computer system 400is turned off or otherwise loses power.

Information, including instructions, is provided to the bus 410 for useby the processor from an external input device 412, such as a keyboardcontaining alphanumeric keys operated by a human user, or a sensor. Asensor detects conditions in its vicinity and transforms thosedetections into signals compatible with the signals used to representinformation in computer system 400. Other external devices coupled tobus 410, used primarily for interacting with humans, include a displaydevice 414, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display(LCD), for presenting images, and a pointing device 416, such as a mouseor a trackball or cursor direction keys, for controlling a position of asmall cursor image presented on the display 414 and issuing commandsassociated with graphical elements presented on the display 414.

In the illustrated embodiment, special purpose hardware, such as anapplication specific integrated circuit (IC) 420, is coupled to bus 410.The special purpose hardware is configured to perform operations notperformed by processor 402 quickly enough for special purposes. Examplesof application specific ICs include graphics accelerator cards forgenerating images for display 414, cryptographic boards for encryptingand decrypting messages sent over a network, speech recognition, andinterfaces to special external devices, such as robotic arms and medicalscanning equipment that repeatedly perform some complex sequence ofoperations that are more efficiently implemented in hardware.

Computer system 400 also includes one or more instances of acommunications interface 470 coupled to bus 410. Communication interface470 provides a two-way communication coupling to a variety of externaldevices that operate with their own processors, such as printers,scanners and external disks. In general the coupling is with a networklink 478 that is connected to a local network 480 to which a variety ofexternal devices with their own processors are connected. For example,communication interface 470 may be a parallel port or a serial port or auniversal serial bus (USB) port on a personal computer. In someembodiments, communications interface 470 is an integrated servicesdigital network (ISDN) card or a digital subscriber line (DSL) card or atelephone modem that provides an information communication connection toa corresponding type of telephone line. In some embodiments, acommunication interface 470 is a cable modem that converts signals onbus 410 into signals for a communication connection over a coaxial cableor into optical signals for a communication connection over a fiberoptic cable. As another example, communications interface 470 may be alocal area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connectionto a compatible LAN, such as Ethernet. Wireless links may also beimplemented. Carrier waves, such as acoustic waves and electromagneticwaves, including radio, optical and infrared waves travel through spacewithout wires or cables. Signals include man-made variations inamplitude, frequency, phase, polarization or other physical propertiesof carrier waves. For wireless links, the communications interface 470sends and receives electrical, acoustic or electromagnetic signals,including infrared and optical signals, that carry information streams,such as digital data.

The term computer-readable medium is used herein to refer to any mediumthat participates in providing information to processor 402, includinginstructions for execution. Such a medium may take many forms,including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media andtransmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical ormagnetic disks, such as storage device 408. Volatile media include, forexample, dynamic memory 404. Transmission media include, for example,coaxial cables, copper wire, fiber optic cables, and waves that travelthrough space without wires or cables, such as acoustic waves andelectromagnetic waves, including radio, optical and infrared waves. Theterm computer-readable storage medium is used herein to refer to anymedium that participates in providing information to processor 402,except for transmission media.

Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppydisk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, or any othermagnetic medium, a compact disk ROM (CD-ROM), a digital video disk (DVD)or any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, or any otherphysical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a programmable ROM(PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), a FLASH-EPROM, or any other memorychip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which acomputer can read. The term non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium is used herein to refer to any medium that participates inproviding information to processor 402, except for carrier waves andother signals.

Logic encoded in one or more tangible media includes one or both ofprocessor instructions on a computer-readable storage media and specialpurpose hardware, such as ASIC *420.

Network link 478 typically provides information communication throughone or more networks to other devices that use or process theinformation. For example, network link 478 may provide a connectionthrough local network 480 to a host computer 482 or to equipment 484operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). ISP equipment 484 inturn provides data communication services through the public, world-widepacket-switching communication network of networks now commonly referredto as the Internet 490. A computer called a server 492 connected to theInternet provides a service in response to information received over theInternet. For example, server 492 provides information representingvideo data for presentation at display 414.

The invention is related to the use of computer system 400 forimplementing the techniques described herein. According to oneembodiment of the invention, those techniques are performed by computersystem 400 in response to processor 402 executing one or more sequencesof one or more instructions contained in memory 404. Such instructions,also called software and program code, may be read into memory 404 fromanother computer-readable medium such as storage device 408. Executionof the sequences of instructions contained in memory 404 causesprocessor 402 to perform the method steps described herein. Inalternative embodiments, hardware, such as application specificintegrated circuit 420, may be used in place of or in combination withsoftware to implement the invention. Thus, embodiments of the inventionare not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software.

The signals transmitted over network link 478 and other networks throughcommunications interface 470, carry information to and from computersystem 400. Computer system 400 can send and receive information,including program code, through the networks 480, 490 among others,through network link 478 and communications interface 470. In an exampleusing the Internet 490, a server 492 transmits program code for aparticular application, requested by a message sent from computer 400,through Internet 490, ISP equipment 484, local network 480 andcommunications interface 470. The received code may be executed byprocessor 402 as it is received, or may be stored in storage device 408or other non-volatile storage for later execution, or both. In thismanner, computer system 400 may obtain application program code in theform of a signal on a carrier wave.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying oneor more sequence of instructions or data or both to processor 402 forexecution. For example, instructions and data may initially be carriedon a magnetic disk of a remote computer such as host 482. The remotecomputer loads the instructions and data into its dynamic memory andsends the instructions and data over a telephone line using a modem. Amodem local to the computer system 400 receives the instructions anddata on a telephone line and uses an infra-red transmitter to convertthe instructions and data to a signal on an infra-red a carrier waveserving as the network link 478. An infrared detector serving ascommunications interface 470 receives the instructions and data carriedin the infrared signal and places information representing theinstructions and data onto bus 410. Bus 410 carries the information tomemory 404 from which processor 402 retrieves and executes theinstructions using some of the data sent with the instructions. Theinstructions and data received in memory 404 may optionally be stored onstorage device 408, either before or after execution by the processor402.

FIG. 5 illustrates a chip set 500 upon which an embodiment of theinvention may be implemented. Chip set 500 is programmed to perform oneor more steps of a method described herein and includes, for instance,the processor and memory components described with respect to FIG. *4incorporated in one or more physical packages (e.g., chips). By way ofexample, a physical package includes an arrangement of one or morematerials, components, and/or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., abaseboard) to provide one or more characteristics such as physicalstrength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electricalinteraction. It is contemplated that in certain embodiments the chip setcan be implemented in a single chip. Chip set 500, or a portion thereof,constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of a methoddescribed herein.

In one embodiment, the chip set 500 includes a communication mechanismsuch as a bus 501 for passing information among the components of thechip set 500. A processor 503 has connectivity to the bus 501 to executeinstructions and process information stored in, for example, a memory505. The processor 503 may include one or more processing cores witheach core configured to perform independently. A multi-core processorenables multiprocessing within a single physical package. Examples of amulti-core processor include two, four, eight, or greater numbers ofprocessing cores. Alternatively or in addition, the processor 503 mayinclude one or more microprocessors configured in tandem via the bus 501to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, andmultithreading. The processor 503 may also be accompanied with one ormore specialized components to perform certain processing functions andtasks such as one or more digital signal processors (DSP) 507, or one ormore application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) 509. A DSP 507typically is configured to process real-world signals (e.g., sound) inreal time independently of the processor 503. Similarly, an ASIC 509 canbe configured to performed specialized functions not easily performed bya general purposed processor. Other specialized components to aid inperforming the inventive functions described herein include one or morefield programmable gate arrays (FPGA) (not shown), one or morecontrollers (not shown), or one or more other special-purpose computerchips.

The processor 503 and accompanying components have connectivity to thememory 505 via the bus 501. The memory 505 includes both dynamic memory(e.g., RAM, magnetic disk, writable optical disk, etc.) and staticmemory (e.g., ROM, CD-ROM, etc.) for storing executable instructionsthat when executed perform one or more steps of a method describedherein. The memory 505 also stores the data associated with or generatedby the execution of one or more steps of the methods described herein.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of exemplary components of a mobile terminal 600(e.g., cell phone handset) for communications, which is capable ofoperating in the system of FIG. 2C, according to one embodiment. In someembodiments, mobile terminal 601, or a portion thereof, constitutes ameans for performing one or more steps described herein. Generally, aradio receiver is often defined in terms of front-end and back-endcharacteristics. The front-end of the receiver encompasses all of theRadio Frequency (RF) circuitry whereas the back-end encompasses all ofthe base-band processing circuitry. As used in this application, theterm “circuitry” refers to both: (1) hardware-only implementations (suchas implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry), and (2) tocombinations of circuitry and software (and/or firmware) (such as, ifapplicable to the particular context, to a combination of processor(s),including digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(ies) thatwork together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server,to perform various functions). This definition of “circuitry” applies toall uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As afurther example, as used in this application and if applicable to theparticular context, the term “circuitry” would also cover animplementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) and its(or their) accompanying software/or firmware. The term “circuitry” wouldalso cover if applicable to the particular context, for example, abaseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuitin a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a cellular networkdevice or other network devices.

Pertinent internal components of the telephone include a Main ControlUnit (MCU) 603, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) 605, and areceiver/transmitter unit including a microphone gain control unit and aspeaker gain control unit. A main display unit 607 provides a display tothe user in support of various applications and mobile terminalfunctions that perform or support the steps as described herein. Thedisplay 607 includes display circuitry configured to display at least aportion of a user interface of the mobile terminal (e.g., mobiletelephone). Additionally, the display 607 and display circuitry areconfigured to facilitate user control of at least some functions of themobile terminal. An audio function circuitry 609 includes a microphone611 and microphone amplifier that amplifies the speech signal outputfrom the microphone 611. The amplified speech signal output from themicrophone 611 is fed to a coder/decoder (CODEC) 613.

A radio section 615 amplifies power and converts frequency in order tocommunicate with a base station, which is included in a mobilecommunication system, via antenna 617. The power amplifier (PA) 619 andthe transmitter/modulation circuitry are operationally responsive to theMCU 603, with an output from the PA 619 coupled to the duplexer 621 orcirculator or antenna switch, as known in the art. The PA 619 alsocouples to a battery interface and power control unit 620.

In use, a user of mobile terminal 601 speaks into the microphone 611 andhis or her voice along with any detected background noise is convertedinto an analog voltage. The analog voltage is then converted into adigital signal through the Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) 623. Thecontrol unit 603 routes the digital signal into the DSP 605 forprocessing therein, such as speech encoding, channel encoding,encrypting, and interleaving. In one embodiment, the processed voicesignals are encoded, by units not separately shown, using a cellulartransmission protocol such as enhanced data rates for global evolution(EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobilecommunications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS),universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as anyother suitable wireless medium, e.g., microwave access (WiMAX), LongTerm Evolution (LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA),wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity(WiFi), satellite, and the like, or any combination thereof.

The encoded signals are then routed to an equalizer 625 for compensationof any frequency-dependent impairments that occur during transmissionthough the air such as phase and amplitude distortion. After equalizingthe bit stream, the modulator 627 combines the signal with a RF signalgenerated in the RF interface 629. The modulator 627 generates a sinewave by way of frequency or phase modulation. In order to prepare thesignal for transmission, an up-converter 631 combines the sine waveoutput from the modulator 627 with another sine wave generated by asynthesizer 633 to achieve the desired frequency of transmission. Thesignal is then sent through a PA 619 to increase the signal to anappropriate power level. In practical systems, the PA 619 acts as avariable gain amplifier whose gain is controlled by the DSP 605 frominformation received from a network base station. The signal is thenfiltered within the duplexer 621 and optionally sent to an antennacoupler 635 to match impedances to provide maximum power transfer.Finally, the signal is transmitted via antenna 617 to a local basestation. An automatic gain control (AGC) can be supplied to control thegain of the final stages of the receiver. The signals may be forwardedfrom there to a remote telephone which may be another cellulartelephone, any other mobile phone or a land-line connected to a PublicSwitched Telephone Network (PSTN), or other telephony networks.

Voice signals transmitted to the mobile terminal 601 are received viaantenna 617 and immediately amplified by a low noise amplifier (LNA)637. A down-converter 639 lowers the carrier frequency while thedemodulator 641 strips away the RF leaving only a digital bit stream.The signal then goes through the equalizer 625 and is processed by theDSP 605. A Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) 643 converts the signal andthe resulting output is transmitted to the user through the speaker 645,all under control of a Main Control Unit (MCU) 603 which can beimplemented as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) (not shown).

The MCU 603 receives various signals including input signals from thekeyboard 647. The keyboard 647 and/or the MCU 603 in combination withother user input components (e.g., the microphone 611) comprise a userinterface circuitry for managing user input. The MCU 603 runs a userinterface software to facilitate user control of at least some functionsof the mobile terminal 601 as described herein. The MCU 603 alsodelivers a display command and a switch command to the display 607 andto the speech output switching controller, respectively. Further, theMCU 603 exchanges information with the DSP 605 and can access anoptionally incorporated SIM card 649 and a memory 651. In addition, theMCU 603 executes various control functions required of the terminal. TheDSP 605 may, depending upon the implementation, perform any of a varietyof conventional digital processing functions on the voice signals.Additionally, DSP 605 determines the background noise level of the localenvironment from the signals detected by microphone 611 and sets thegain of microphone 611 to a level selected to compensate for the naturaltendency of the user of the mobile terminal 601.

The CODEC 613 includes the ADC 623 and DAC 643. The memory 651 storesvarious data including call incoming tone data and is capable of storingother data including music data received via, e.g., the global Internet.The software module could reside in RAM memory, flash memory, registers,or any other form of writable storage medium known in the art. Thememory device 651 may be, but not limited to, a single memory, CD, DVD,ROM, RAM, EEPROM, optical storage, magnetic disk storage, flash memorystorage, or any other non-volatile storage medium capable of storingdigital data.

An optionally incorporated SIM card 649 carries, for instance, importantinformation, such as the cellular phone number, the carrier supplyingservice, subscription details, and security information. The SIM card649 serves primarily to identify the mobile terminal 601 on a radionetwork. The card 649 also contains a memory for storing a personaltelephone number registry, text messages, and user specific mobileterminal settings.

In some embodiments, the mobile terminal 601 includes a digital cameracomprising an array of optical detectors, such as charge coupled device(CCD) array 665. The output of the array is image data that istransferred to the MCU for further processing or storage in the memory651 or both. In the illustrated embodiment, the light impinges on theoptical array through a lens 663, such as a pin-hole lens or a materiallens made of an optical grade glass or plastic material. In theillustrated embodiment, the mobile terminal 601 includes a light source661, such as a LED to illuminate a subject for capture by the opticalarray, e.g., CCD 665. The light source is powered by the batteryinterface and power control module 620 and controlled by the MCU 603based on instructions stored or loaded into the MCU 603.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evidentthat various modifications and changes may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Thespecification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Throughout thisspecification and the claims, unless the context requires otherwise, theword “comprise” and its variations, such as “comprises” and“comprising,” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stateditem, element or step or group of items, elements or steps but not theexclusion of any other item, element or step or group of items, elementsor steps. Furthermore, the indefinite article “a” or “an” is meant toindicate one or more of the item, element or step modified by thearticle. As used herein, unless otherwise clear from the context, avalue is “about” another value if it is within a factor of two (twice orhalf) of the other value. While example ranges are given, unlessotherwise clear from the context, any contained ranges are also intendedin various embodiments. Thus, a range from 0 to 10 includes the range 1to 4 in some embodiments.

4. REFERENCES

-   Nauert, Rick Ph.D, Subtle Signs Warn of Panic Attacks in Advance,    SMU Research News, Jul. 26, 2011.

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly comprising: a first physiologicalsensor configured to measure data that indicates a change in a value ofa first physiological parameter of a subject over a time period; asecond physiological sensor configured to measure data that indicates achange in a value of a second physiological parameter of a subject overthe time period; at least one processor; and at least one memoryincluding one or more sequences of instructions, the at least one memoryand the one or more sequences of instructions configured to, with the atleast one processor, cause the assembly to perform at least thefollowing, receive data from the first physiological sensor over thetime period; determine whether the change in the value of the firstphysiological parameter exceeds a first change threshold; receive datafrom the second physiological sensor over the time period if the changein the value of the first physiological parameter exceeds the firstchange threshold; determine whether the change in the value of thesecond physiological parameter exceeds a second change threshold; andperform an action based on the determination that the change in thevalue of the second physiological parameter exceeds the second changethreshold.
 2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the firstphysiological sensor is a heart rate sensor and wherein the firstphysiological parameter is a heart rate of the subject; and wherein thesecond physiological sensor is a temperature sensor and wherein thesecond physiological parameter is a body temperature of the subject. 3.An assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a motion sensorconfigured to measure data that indicates a value of a motion of thesubject over the time period; wherein the action performed isdetermining a level of physical activity of the subject over the timeperiod based on the data from the motion sensor.
 4. An assembly asclaimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one of: a hapticfeedback device and wherein the action performed includes activation ofthe haptic feedback device to alert the subject of the determinationthat the change in the value of the second physiological parameterexceeds the second change threshold; and a display device and whereinthe action performed includes outputting one or more characters on thedisplay device based on the determination that the change in the valueof the second physiological parameter exceeds the second changethreshold.
 5. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the firstphysiological sensor is one of: a heart rate sensor and wherein thefirst physiological parameter is a heart rate of the subject; and atemperature sensor and wherein the first physiological parameter is abody temperature of the subject.
 6. An assembly as claimed in claim 3,wherein the motion sensor is one of: an accelerometer, wherein the dataindicates a value of an acceleration of the subject over the time periodand wherein the memory and sequence of instruction is further configuredto cause the assembly to determine the value of the motion of thesubject over the time period based on the value of the acceleration ofthe subject over the time period; and a position sensor, wherein thedata indicates a value of a position of the subject over the time periodand wherein the memory and sequence of instruction is further configuredto cause the assembly to determine the value of the motion of thesubject over the time period based on the value of the position of thesubject over the time period.
 7. An assembly as claimed in claim 1,wherein at least one of the first physiological sensor and the secondphysiological sensor is worn on a body of the subject.
 8. An assembly asclaimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one of the first physiologicalsensor and the second physiological sensor is worn on a wrist of thesubject.
 9. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising ahaptic feedback device and wherein the action performed includesactivation of the haptic feedback device to alert the subject of thedetermination that the change in the value of the second physiologicalparameter exceeds the second change threshold.
 10. An assembly asclaimed in claim 1, further comprising a display device and wherein theaction performed is an output of one or more characters on the displaydevice based on the determination that the change in the value of thesecond physiological parameter exceeds the second change threshold. 11.An assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a rechargeablebattery to provide electrical power to the at least one of the firstphysiological sensor, the second physiological sensor and the processor.12. An assembly for detecting a current or future panic attack, anxietyepisode, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) flashback or fastbreathing, comprising: a first physiological sensor configured tomeasure data that indicates a change in a value of a first physiologicalparameter of a subject over a time period; a second physiological sensorconfigured to measure data that indicates a change in a value of asecond physiological parameter of a subject over the time period; adevice configured to alert the subject of the current or future panicattack, anxiety episode, PTSD flashback or fast breathing; at least oneprocessor; and at least one memory including one or more sequences ofinstructions, the at least one memory and the one or more sequences ofinstructions configured to, with the at least one processor, cause theassembly to perform at least the following, receive data from the firstphysiological sensor over the time period; determine whether the changein the value of the first physiological parameter exceeds a first changethreshold; receive data from the second physiological sensor over thetime period if the change in the value of the first physiologicalparameter exceeds the first change threshold; determine whether thechange in the value of the second physiological parameter exceeds asecond change threshold, said determination being indicative of thecurrent or future panic attack, anxiety episode, PTSD flashback or fastbreathing; and perform an action based on the determination that thechange in the value of the second physiological parameter exceeds thesecond change threshold comprising activation, of the device to promptthe subject to take action to treat the current panic attack, anxietyepisode, PTSD flashback or fast breathing or prevent onset of the futurepanic attack, anxiety episode, PTSD flashback or fast breathing.
 13. Anassembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first physiological sensoris a heart rate sensor and wherein the first physiological parameter isa heart rate of the subject; and wherein the second physiological sensoris a temperature sensor and wherein the second physiological parameteris a body temperature of the subject.
 14. An assembly as claimed inclaim 12, further comprising a motion sensor configured to measure datathat indicates a value of a motion of the subject over the time period;wherein the action performed is determining a level of physical activityof the subject over the time period based on the data from the motionsensor.
 15. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is atleast one of: a haptic feedback device and wherein the action performedincludes activation of the haptic feedback device; and a display deviceand wherein the action performed includes outputting one or morecharacters on the display device.
 16. A method comprising: measuring,with a first physiological sensor, data that indicates a change in avalue of a first physiological parameter of a subject over a timeperiod; measuring, with a second physiological sensor, data thatindicates a change in a value of a second physiological parameter of asubject over the time period; receiving, with a processor, data from thefirst physiological sensor over the time period; determining, with theprocessor, whether the change in the value of the first physiologicalparameter exceeds a first change threshold; receiving, with theprocessor, data from the at second physiological sensor over the timeperiod if the change in the value of the first physiological parameterexceeds the first change threshold; determining, with the processor,whether the change in the value of the second physiological parameterexceeds a second change threshold; and performing an action based on thedetermination that the change in the value of the second physiologicalparameter exceeds the second change threshold.
 17. A method as claimedin claim 16, further comprising suppressing, with the processor, datafrom the second physiological sensor if the change in the value of thefirst physiological parameter is less than the first change threshold.18. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the performing the actioncomprises activating a haptic feedback device worn by the subject toalert the subject of the determination that the change in the value ofthe second physiological parameter exceeds the second change threshold.19. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the performing the actioncomprises outputting one or more characters on a display device based onthe determination that the change in the value of the secondphysiological parameter exceeds the second change threshold.
 20. Amethod as claimed in claim 16, wherein the performing the actioncomprises providing treatment to the subject.
 21. A method as claimed inclaim 16, further comprising: measuring, with a motion sensor, data thatindicates a value of a motion of the subject over the time period;wherein the performing step further comprises determining a level ofphysical activity of the subject over the time period based on the datafrom the motion sensor.
 22. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein themethod is for detecting a current or future panic attack, anxietyepisode, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) flashback or fastbreathing; wherein the determining that the change in the value of thesecond physiological parameter exceeds the second change threshold isindicative of the current or future panic attack, anxiety episode, PTSDflashback or fast breathing; and wherein the performing the actioncomprises activating a device to prompt the subject to take action totreat the current panic attack, anxiety episode, PTSD flashback or fastbreathing or prevent onset of the future panic attack, anxiety episode,PTSD flashback or fast breathing.